In the 14th year, the Carnival Calabar dryrun, a dress rehearsal for the signature event that attract domestic and international tourists to the capital of Cross River State every December, is no doubt a phenomenal outing that will continue to sustain the main event.
This is because it gave the participating bands ample time to rehearse and master different arts device in translating perfectly the theme of the yearly event.
For this year, Africanism, which has a global meaning as it chronicle the entirety of the people, life and cultural identity of the diverse nations bonded in the continent, will be a spectacle to behold as every band try different innovations to drive home the interpretation.
However, the first in the series of the yearly dryrun came up on Sunday, this week, with the 12km carnival route light up with colourful and electrifying performance by designated bands.
The dryrun started with a lot of energy, old and young, big and small (indigenes, visitors and family) who have become part of the yearly rehearsal, lined up on the carnival route to cheer the different participating bands; Governor, Freedom, Passion Four, Bayside, Seagul and the Masta Blasta.
Performing at the different adjudication, each band entertained the crowd through their displayed, acrobatics performance and dance steps to the different melodic songs escaping from their sound box.
Speaking during the flag off the first dry run of the 2018 Carnival Calabar on Sunday, Ayade who was represented by his Deputy, Processor Ivara Esu, said that this year’s celebration marks the 14th anniversary of the carnival, adding that the theme of the 2018 carnival `Africanism` described the carnival as `the largest street party in Africa.’
Ayade said that the time has come for Africans to show unity among themselves and the commitment to be respected by other nations of the world.
The carnival, according to him, has over the years promoted talent and creativity, while at the same time uniting the people of Cross River and Nigeria in general.
“Today, we are flagging off the 14th annual Carnival Calabar, the largest street party ever; the greatest show in Africa.
“So much has been done to showcase what the theme is all about. The time has come for Africa to be of age where the black man is seen as a symbol of integrity.
“If Africans can get themselves together and align with practical commitment to win back our position and compete favourably with other colours in the world.
“All we need to do is to change our attitude and believe in ourselves. We hope that the bands will take time to espouse the theme and tell the story of Africa and the need to respect our continent,’’ he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration has done a lot in bringing understanding to the carnival through the interpretation of the carnival themes.
Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, said that the state had sustained the hosting of the largest street party in Africa for a record 14 years.
Onah lauded the efforts of the people of Cross River and the participants for coming out en mass for the dry run
“We are here to make a difference in this year’s carnival with the theme `Africanism’. The dry run signifies the commencement of the carnival.
“It tracks the system on the 12 kilometres routes and engages the community positively,’’ he said.
Speaking at the sideline of the carnival Calabar dryrun, the President of National Association of Tour Operators, Mrs Bilikisu Abdul who was attending the event for the first time, said the carnival dress rehearsal is a product on its own that can be packaged and make big revenue from it.
The NATOP president who was stunt by the organisation, turnout and performance of the different participating bands her visit for the dryrun was not only a worthwhile experience as a tour operator but a new business package to sell to different leisure, carnival and short holiday seekers who look forward for domestic tours.
“This will be a new sell for me and I have already seen area of advantages and places and lovely sites that I can package as a sellable product for my clients.”
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Hajia Abdul regretted that she was getting to know or experiencing the carnival late, “I never knew what actually pushed me, it came from within that there are more to the highly acclaimed event which is at it fourteen edition. So I took the bold step to visit and lo and behold, it was splendid, colourful and people oriented.
“Immediately I go back to Abuja, I will start packaging a product that will have a pleasant outlook and pocket friendly for people that live short holiday.
“I am bold to say that in a year, the carnival Calabar three dryrun will be package for those who will be engaged during the main carnival.
Roll call at the flag off of the first dryrun of the 2018 Carnival Calabar includes the Deputy Governor of the Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu; Chairman of Carnival Calabar Band Association, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Lebo; Manager Program – NTA, Mrs Kate Inameti, Head of Service, Cross River State, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita; SA to the governor on Events, Hon. Kenn Aklah; National President of NATOP Hajia Bilikisu Abdul; International Consultant for Carnival Calabar, Ambassador Ikechi Uko,; CEO Remlords Tours, Nkereuwem Onung; Former Mrs Tourism, United Nations World (2015/17), Ebele Enemchukwu; Co-Partner of PIS Limited, Nnaemeka Obi; SSA to the Governor, Tom Ikpeme among others.
and then